A proven problem-solver who leverages emerging technology, innovative and customized e-discovery and forensic investigation workflows, and careful reading of the laws and regulations to resolve client problems using solutions that are right-sized, tailored and are sensitive to their particular industry, needs, limitations and concerns.
As leader of Phillips Lytle’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity and e-Discovery Practice Teams and co-leader of the firm’s Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Team, Anna focuses on complex e-discovery and digital forensics, cybersecurity and data privacy, and complex commercial litigation. As a former assistant district attorney, she also handles white collar criminal matters and investigations.
Anna has been awarded the following ANAB-accredited credentials by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP): Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E); Certified Information Privacy Professional for the U.S. Private Sector (CIPP/US); and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM). CIPP/E and CIPP/US are preeminent certifications for advanced concentration in European data protection laws and U.S. private-sector laws, standards and practices, respectively. The CIPM certification recognizes Anna’s ability to design, build and operate data privacy management programs that are compliant with privacy laws and regulations.
Anna has also been designated as a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP). The FIP designation signifies that she has demonstrated her comprehensive knowledge of privacy laws, privacy program management and essential data protection practices with significant data security and privacy experience in these areas. Anna is among a select group of individuals around the world who have received this designation.
Anna routinely counsels sophisticated clients on data governance issues to address business needs while minimizing risks and complying with a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and other legal obligations. She has extensive experience advising businesses in the technology, consumer, health care and financial industries regarding information management and disposition policies, litigation readiness, data transfers, third-party/vendor negotiation and management relative to data administration, and disaster recovery and avoidance.
Anna has successfully leveraged the latest technology, including artificial intelligence and technology assisted review (TAR), to streamline high-volume discovery, establish defensible document review workflows and minimize litigation costs. She is a member of Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), a community of e-discovery and legal professionals who create practical resources to improve e-discovery and information governance, including cross-border discovery in light of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). She regularly speaks at national and international conferences as a subject matter expert on these issues.
As an experienced litigator, Anna is well positioned to identify and minimize litigation risks and assist with internal investigations, including managing digital forensic investigations. She is also able to seamlessly serve as litigation counsel in the event of a dispute or government investigation, having represented individuals, small businesses, multinational corporations and government entities in contract disputes, franchisor-franchisee litigation, trade secret disputes, antitrust litigation, securities litigation, labor and employment matters, and government investigations.
Anna serves as the firm’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and is a member of the firm’s Governing Committee, as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee.
Presenter, “AAPIs and Education: Tape v. Hurley and Gong Lum v. Rice,” 2024 NAPABA Convention, November 2024
Presenter, “From Bait to Breach: The Modern Evolution of Phishing Attacks,” Tech Valley Cybersecurity Symposium, October 2024
Keynote Speaker, California Law Academy Symposium Awards and Scholarship Reception, September 2024
Participant, Cal-APABA Plenary Lunch Fireside Chat, September 2024
Speaker, “Technology issues: Ethical and professional obligations, challenges in identifying and adopting emerging technology, and technology challenges that your clients may be facing,” ABA 2024 Annual Meeting, August 2024
Speaker, Opening Remarks, “The Presidents Panel,” and “Vignette on Board Communications, Problem Solving, & Crisis Management,” The Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy 2024, June 2024
Speaker, Ice Miller Firmwide Asian American Pacific Heritage Month event, May 2024
Panelist, “Web Compliance 101 for Manufacturers,” New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Webinar, May 2024
Speaker, Missouri Asian American Bar Association Unity Dinner, April 2024
Keynote Speaker, National Filipino American Lawyers Association Mid-Year Leadership Summit, April 2024
Judge, Guam High School Mock Trial Championship/Finals, March 2024
Speaker, “Democracy’s Last Line of Defense: Preserving an Independent Judiciary,” The National Judicial College 2024 Symposium, March 2024
Panelist, Asian American History and the Law ‘A Long March (2022)’ Screening and Discussion, Columbia University Center for Japanese Legal Studies, February 2024
Panelist, “Planning for the Inevitable: AI in Law Enforcement, the Judiciary, Government, and Public Awareness,” National Judicial College 60th Anniversary Celebration, December 2023
Panelist, “Artificial Intelligence Comes with Real Responsibility: Keeping Safety First,” American Bar Association Webinar, December 2023
Panelist, “Navigating the AI Frontier: A Guide for Bar Leaders,” National Conference of Bar Presidents 21st Century Lawyer Virtual Session, November 2023
Speaker, “Privacy Considerations in Bankruptcy Proceedings,” CNY Bankruptcy Bar Association and Capital District Bankruptcy Bar Association’s 27th Annual Bankruptcy Conference, November 2023
Panelist, “Data Breach Response: Before and After the Breach,” Financial Poise, November 2023
Panelist, “Introduction to U.S. Privacy and Data Security: Regulations and Requirements,” Financial Poise, August 2023
Panelist, “Cross-Border Discovery, the GDPR, and the New Privacy Framework,” AEDI Webinar, August 2023
Speaker, “Mentorship – Leaning Into Mentorship for AAPI Lawyers Both In and Outside of Your Firm,” NAPABA Partner’s Summit, August 2023
Panelist, Virtual Panel Discussion on Cybersecurity, Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record, June 2023
Speaker, “Driving Change Within the Workplace: The Case for Building Consensus,” Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy, June 2023
Moderator, “Preparing for Leadership: The Nuts and Bolts of Leading a Bar Association,” Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy, June 2023
Speaker, “Exploring post-pandemic information security and privacy trends in the United States,” Global GRC, Data Privacy & Cyber Security ConfEx, May 2023
Presenter, “There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?” Bar Association of Erie County CLE, May 2023
Panelist, Stroock Webinar on Challenges and Opportunities Facing Asian Americans in the Legal Profession, May 2023
Speaker, 2023 AAC RISE, Fordham University Alumni Attorneys of Color Affinity Group, May 2023
Panelist, “They’re After Us All! How to Keep Yourself and Your Clients Safe from the Grasp of International Organized Crime,” American Bar Association International Law Section 2023 Annual Conference, May 2023
Co-Presenter, “Is Your Business Positioned to Defend Itself After a Cyberattack?” Phillips Lytle Breakfast Briefing Webinar, April 2023
Speaker, University at Buffalo School of Law Asian Law Student Association, March 2023
Co-Presenter, “Overview of the California Privacy Rights Act,” myLawCLE, February 2023
Panelist, “Best Practices for Crafting Search Terms,” Women in eDiscovery NYC Meeting, February 2023
Panelist, “They’re After Us All! How to Keep Yourself and Your Clients Safe from the Grasp of International Organized Crime,” ABA International Law Section’s 2023 Annual Conference, May 2023
Keynote Speaker, Pinay Powerhouse 6: PiNaY State of Mind, March 2023
Panelist, “Violence Against Women, Ending Impunity and the Global Pursuit of Justice,” Fourth Annual International Law Conference on the Status of Women, March 2023
Speaker, “Making It: Getting Involved in Bar Associations,” FALA NY, February 2023
Presenter, “Overview of the California Privacy Rights Act,” myLawCLE, February 2023
Panelist, “What Counsel Looks for in Selecting Arbitrators and Mediators,” Dispute Resolution Section Annual Meeting Program, NYSBA 2023 Annual Meeting, January 2023
Speaker, “Handling Conflicts Between GDPR and U.S. Discovery Rules: Navigating the production of information from European or UK data sources,” myLawCLE, January 2023
Speaker, “Data Breach Response: Before and After the Breach,” Cyber Security & Data Privacy 2022, Financial Poise Webinars, November 2022
Panelist, “Cryptocurrency Developments: Privacy and Security Issues and Regulations,” IAPP Privacy. Security. Risk. 2022 Conference, October 2022
Panelist, “Prejudice, Ageism, and Harassment: How to Navigate Challenges and Support Others Throughout Your Career,” AABANY 2022 Fall Conference, October 2022
Panelist, “Careers in Litigation,” AABANY Litigation and Student Outreach Committees, July 2022
Panelist, “Conflicts Between GDPR and U.S. Discovery Rules: Navigating the Privacy-Protection Law Catch-22,” Strafford, July 2022
Panelist, “Dissecting a Ransomware Incident,” Second Circuit Judicial Conference, June 2022
Speaker, “The Great e-Discovery Reset: Defining a New Approach to Strategy, Execution and Relationships,” OpenText, June 2022
Presenter, “Cybersecurity,” Webinar Series, Rochester Business Journal, June 2022
Panelist, “Establishing an Incident Response Plan,” USI Insurance Services, May 2022
Panelist, “Mock Interview,” Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Program 2022 Professional Development Series, New York City Bar Association, May 2022
Faculty, “‘Kung Flu’: A History of Violence and Hostility Against Asian Americans,” Trial Reenactment, Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), March 2022
Panelist, “Navigating Threats to Cyber and Physical Infrastructure,” City & State 2022 Digital New York Summit, March 2022
Panelist, “Establishing a Cyber Incident Response Plan,” USI Insurance Services Cybersecurity Webinar, February 2022
Panelist, Instructor and Mock Judge, Annual Trial Advocacy Program (TAP), Asian American Bar Association of New York’s (AABANY), February 2022
Panelist, “Kung Flu: A History of Hostility and Violence Against AAPIs,” National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Convention, December 2021
Panelist, “Cyber and Technology,” Annual Investors Summit, Institutional Longevity Markets Association, December 2021
Panelist, “Data Breach Response: Before and After the Breach,” “Cybersecurity & Data Privacy 2021,” Financial Poise™ Webinar, November 2021
Speaker, “Breaches Happen: What to do if You Experience a Cyberattack,” USI Insurance Services Cybersecurity Webinar, October 2021
Presenter, “Legal Ethics and Telecommuting,” 35th Annual Pharmaceutical/Chemical Patent Practice Update Webinar Series, New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association
Moderator, “Building Anti-Racist Institutions: Free Speech, Inclusion and the Rule of Law,” PCGNY, FALA NY, FALDEF, Rutgers University School of Law and CUNY School of Law Panel Discussion, October 2021
Presenter, “Cybersecurity Trends and Risks of Remote Work,” Phillips Lytle Labor & Employment Law Seminar, October 2021
Panelist, “How to Build and Implement your Company’s Information Security Program,” “Cybersecurity & Data Privacy 2021,” Financial Poise™ Webinar, October, 2021
Moderator, “Outsmarting the Smart Ones: Minimizing Risks in the Face of Increasingly Sophisticated Hacking Attacks,” 2021 General Counsel East Conference, September 2021
Guest Speaker, “Advancements to Boost Your Data Security,” “Impact with John Shegerian,” Podcast, September 2021
Panelist, “Introduction to EU General Data Protection Regulation: Planning, Implementation and Compliance,” “Cybersecurity & Data Privacy 2021,” Financial Poise™ Webinar, September 2021
Speaker, “Brett Burney Reviews OpenText Axcelerate Investigation,” Webinar, Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS), August 2021
Panelist, “Introduction to US Privacy and Data Security: Regulations and Requirements,” “Cybersecurity & Data Privacy 2021,” Financial Poise™ Webinar, August 2021
Panelist, “Privacy Versus Discovery: GDPR, the Electronic Information Storage Act and Other Issues,” First Annual International Litigation Skills Conference, American Bar Association, May 2021
Panelist, “Using Technology to Secure Our Cyber and Physical Infrastructure,” Virtual Digital New York, City & State, May 2021
Moderator, “Protecting Against Cyber Threats: Best Practices for Plan Fiduciaries,” Phillips Lytle LLP and Dopkins & Company Webinar, May 2021
Speaker, “Lawyers’ Duty of Competency: When Technology and Legal Ethics Intersect,” Trusts and Estates Law Section Spring 2021 Meeting, New York State Bar Association, May 2021
Presenter, “Are You Collecting Student and Employee Biometric Data? Avoid Risks When Collecting and Managing Biometric Information,” Phillips Lytle Data Security & Privacy Law and Labor & Employment Law Webinar, The Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities, April 2021
Presenter, “Data Security/Employment Biometrics,” Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association (BNHRA) Legal Update, March 2021
Panelist, “Cybersecurity Needs and Priorities Amid Remote Workforces,” Rochester Business Journal Webinar, February 2021
Presenter, “Smart Gadgets and Employee Screenings: How to Manage Biometric Data,” Phillips Lytle Data Security & Privacy Law Webinar, December 2020
Panelist, “Introduction to EU General Data Protection Regulation: Planning, Implementation, and Compliance,” Financial Poise™ Webinar, October 2020
Panelist, “Data Privacy: How to Advise My Clients on Current and Emerging Regulatory Environment” New York State Bar Association Business Law Section Fall 2020 Meeting CLE Program, October 2020
Panelist, “Stronger Together: APA Women in the Legal Profession – Strategies to Support, Lead, and Advance,” “Stronger Together: Unity in Diversity,” 2020 AABANY Fall Conference, September 2020
Presenter, “Making It: Maximizing Bar Associations and Professional Networks,” Filipino American Lawyers Association New York Webinar, September 2020
Presenter, “California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA),” National Filipino American Lawyers Association “Off the Clock” Webinar, February 2020
Presenter, “Migrating Workloads to the Cloud – What to Move and How,” OpenText™ Cloud Summit, December 2019
Presenter, “How Fiduciaries Can Minimize Litigation Risks with Their Retirement Plans,” Phillips Lytle Seminar, October 2019
Speaker, “Cross-border Data Transfers in a Post-GDPR World: Strategies for Effective Management,” IAPP Privacy. Security. Risk. 2019, September 2019
Presenter, “Cybersecurity: 20/20 Hindsight Not Good Enough in 2020,” National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Northeast Regional / Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) Fall Conference, September 2019
Presenter, “Cybersecurity: Learn From The Experts,” Buffalo Niagara Partnership 2019 Speaker Series, September 2019
Participant, “The Fight for Justice,” 75th Anniversary of Korematsu v. U.S., Robert H. Jackson Center, May 2019
Panelist, “Women on the Record: Who Speaks & Why,” Criminal Law Series Event, Fordham University School of Law, January 2019
Participant, Reenactment of “Fred Korematsu and His Fight for Justice,” Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties, Asian American Bar Association of New York and Asian Practice Committee of the New York County Lawyers Association Event, January 2019
Panelist, “What’s in Your Smartphone? Mobile Device and Email Investigation Strategies and Stories,” Legaltech®, January 2019
Panelist, “From Civil Rights to Cybersecurity: How Racial, Religious, and Political Profiling Led to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and What It Means for You,” 2018 NAPABA Convention, November 2018
Panelist, “Alice in Chinatown: Chol Soo Lee and His Fight for Freedom,” 2018 NAPABA Convention, November 2018
Presenter, “Data Security and Privacy Important Concepts and Trends,” Western New York Paralegal Association General Membership Meeting, November 2018
Panelist, “Accelerating Cyber Education and Technologies,” NYIT’s Ninth Annual Cybersecurity Conferenc, September 2018
Speaker, “Cyber Security for Manufacturers,” Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP) Manufacturer’s Council Meeting, September 2018
Panelist, “Why Lawyers Are Adopting AI Faster Than You,” “Enterprise World 2018,” OpenText Technology Conference, July 2018
Speaker, “A Look Ahead: Ethical Considerations When Dealing with Evolving Regulations and Disruptive Technology,” Phillips Lytle LLP and Stroz Friedberg Seminar, June 2018
Participant, Reenactment of “Fred Korematsu and His Fight for Justice,” CLE Event, June 2018
Presenter, “Axcelerate in Action: Email Investigation Methods with Hillary Clinton’s FOIA Release,” OpenText Enfuse 2018, May 2018
Speaker, “Addressing Government Investigations in Data Security & Privacy Matters and Crisis Situations,” Phillips Lytle Monthly Data Security Download, March 2018
Speaker, “Where’s Our Flying Car? The State of e-Discovery in 2017 and Beyond,” Knowledge Group Webcast, November 2014
Speaker, “Fred Korematsu and His Fight for Justice” Reenactment, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Convention, November 2017
Presenter, “This Land Is Our Land: Oyama v. California,” Asian American Bar Association of New York CLE Event, May 2017
Panelist, “Pathways to Success from Diverse Perspectives,” Fordham University School of Law, March 2017
Presenter “‘Justice Denied’: A Reenactment Wards Cove Packing Co. V. Atonio (1989),” 16th Biennial Filipino American National Historical Society Conference, June 2016
Panelist, “Pathways to Success from Diverse Perspectives,” Fordham Law School Event, April 2016
Speaker, “2015 FRCP Amendments: Everything You Need to Know,” FALA and AABANY CLE, March 2016
Activities & Professional Associations
Present Activities
Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), Member
GDPR Project, Member
Fordham University School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law
Fundamental Lawyering Skills (Juris Doctor Program)
Privacy and Security (Master of Studies in Law Program)
Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA), Steering Committee
Co-Author, “A Brave New World: Responding to a Cyber Incident,” Rochester Business Journal, October 2024
Co-Author, “Navigating Clone Discovery in the United States: Understanding Relevance, Proportionality and Particularity, and the Latest Judicial Guidance,” Chambers Expert Focus Series, Chambers and Partners, September 2024
Co-Author, “EU Artificial Intelligence Act: What Is It and How Does It Compare to U.S. AI Law?” New York Law Journal, February 2024
Co-Author, “New Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies,” Buffalo Business First, January 2024
Co-Author, “New Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies,” Rochester Business Journal, January 2024
Co-Author, “AI Comes With Evolving Data Security and Privacy Considerations for Businesses,” Rochester Business Journal, October 2023
Co-Author, “European Commission Adopts EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework: Developments That Could Impact Your Business,” Buffalo Business First, October 2023
Co-Author, “Harnessing the Power of AI: Legal Considerations for Employers,” Buffalo Business First, September 2023
Co-Author, “Harnessing the Power of AI: Legal Considerations for Employers,” Rochester Business Journal, August 2023
Co-Author, “Riding the Wave of New Data Privacy and Security Laws in 2023,” Buffalo Business First, May 2023
Co-Author, “White Collar Corner: The Enforcement of New York State’s SHIELD Act,” The Daily Record, March 2023
Co-Author, “Amended Rule Expands Data Security Requirements for Financial Institutions,” Rochester Business Journal, February 2023
Co-Author, “What Businesses Should Know About Data Protection and Enforcement in 2023,” Buffalo Business First, January 2023
Co-Author, “Navigating Different Obligations of State Privacy Statutes Next Year,” Rochester Business Journal, October 2022
Co-Author, “Complying with Various Comprehensive Privacy Laws and New York City’s Screening Law in 2023,” Buffalo Business First, October 2022
Author, “New Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Developments That Could Impact Your Business, Buffalo Business First,” Buffalo Business First, May 2022
Author, “Data Privacy and Security Concerns with Rise of Online Betting, Gaming,” Rochester Business Journal, February 2022
Co-Author, “Navigating Emerging Cybersecurity Threats and Developments in Data Security and Privacy Laws,” Buffalo Business First, January 2022
Co-Author, Adapting to Evolving Cybersecurity Risks and Updated Data Security and Privacy Laws,” Albany Business Review, September 2021
Co-Author, “Rise in Cyberattacks Causes Significant Financial and Legal Risk for Business,” Buffalo Business First, May 2021
Co-Author, “Biometrics in the Workplace: Privacy Challenges and a Roadmap for Successful Compliance,” Rochester Business Journal, February 2021
Co-Author, “Data Security and Privacy in 2020 and Looking Ahead,” Buffalo Business First, January 2021
Co-Author, “E-Discovery Update: Transition to Sophisticated but Reasonably Priced Platform,” Beyond Dispute, Phillips Lytle Commercial Litigation Newsletter, July 2020
Author, “European High Court Invalidates Privacy Shield; Upholds Standard Contractual Clauses for International Data Transfers Under GDPR,” Advisen’s 2020 Cyber Guide, July 2020
Author, “Employer Compliance with the Privacy Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Advisen’s 2020 Cyber Guide, July 2020
Co-Author, “What Privacy Compliance Looks Like During COVID-19,” Law360, April 2020
Co-Author, “Data Security and Privacy Developments in 2019 and Looking Ahead to 2020,” Buffalo Business First, January 2020
Co-Author, “NY’s New SHIELD Act and Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Services Act Enhance Protections for New York Residents’ Data,” The Daily Record, October 2019
Author, “Better Compliance Through One Year of GDPR Enforcement,” Law360, July 2019
Author, “Looking Ahead by Reflecting on the Year Past: How to Prepare for the Emerging Cybersecurity Landscape in 2019,” Buffalo Business First, January 2019
Publications
Contributor, OneTrust DataGuidance, New York – Employee Monitoring Guidance Note, August 2024
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